Due to changes of ownership of various blocks of land within the Montgomery Ridge development over the past year, the Trail Agreement that was once between only Wretched Land and the City of Allen is being amended and restated to include developers C.T. (Carbon Thompson) Montgomery, and Ashton Residential Dallas.  Neither developer is responsible for the construction of a needed bridge over Watters Branch and trail connection to the south.

Construction of the Rowlett Trail Connection will provide an interjurisdictional trail linkage between the City of Plano's Bluebonnet Trail and the City of Allen's Rowlett Creek and Watters Branch Trails, creating a 13+ mile interjurisdictional trail for both alternative transportation and recreational purposes.  This interjurisdictional trail is identified in both the Collin County Regional Trails Plan and the North Central Texas Council of Government's Adopted 2040 Regional Veloweb, which is the 16 county regional trail plan.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife's Recreational Trail Program will reimburse up to 80% of projects selected, up to a maximum of $200,000 per non-motorized trail project.  The program funds are reimbursable, requiring the City to first expend the construction costs and request reimbursement of funds granted.  The City's required match is available from the Allen Community Development Corporation funds allocated for trail construction.

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the Director of Parks and Recreation to apply for, accept, reject, alter, or terminate a grant through Texas Parks and Wildlife's Recreational Trail program for the construction of the Rowlett Trail Connection.

I make a Motion to adopt Resolution No. _______________(R) authorizing the Director of Parks and Recreation to apply for, accept, reject, alter, or terminate a grant through Texas Parks and Wildlife's Recreational Trail program for the construction of the Rowlett Trail Connection.